Epic Rides - Mountain Biking and Road Cycling in Virginia

RICHMOND Va. - Virginia is a
destination with endless opportunities for both mountain bikers and road
cyclists. From the Alleghenies to the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley,
Virginia is home to some of the best trails in the country for mountain biking action, and has
been rated the best state in country to pedal off-road by the International
Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). Die-hard road cyclists will also find
what they want in Virginia, with everything from roads filled with challenging
climbs through mountainous terrain to moderate trails
along calm coastal flatlands. Below
are highlights of mountain biking trails and road cycling destinations in
Virginia, with many more at http://www.virginia.org/outdoors.

Singletrack Showstoppers

Virginia
Mountain Biking Trail: After a decade of
exploring, preparing and linking sections of trail together, guides with Shenandoah
Mountain Touring, with encouragement from the IMBA, have made
Virginia's first permanent long distance backcountry trail a reality. The
continuous off-road Virginia Mountain Biking Trail spans the length of
Virginia's Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains from Strasburg to Damascus. It links eight major trail systems in the George
Washington and Jefferson National Forests, consists of primarily singletrack
trails, covering 480 miles and climbing 65,000 feet. Hard-core mountain bikers
can be one of the first to tackle this new epic trail that Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine recently said is "poised to be the South's sweetest stretch of
singletrack."

Carvin's Cove: Located in the
Roanoke Valley area, the Carvin's Cove
Reservoir has an expansive network of single-track trails. Throughout the system's 30
miles, cyclists can try expert level screamers like the Gauntlet, which
features a 1,500-foot single-track drop, while intermediates will enjoy the
Funhouse. For a real workout, pedal the fire road known as the Thousand Foot
Climb. Trail markings are scarce at Carvin's Cove, so stop by Just the Right
Gear in Salem and grab a map of the trails system. The shop also rents bikes.

Sherando Lake: Set amidst the rugged terrain just south of
Shenandoah National Park, Sherando Lake is a gorgeous wild escape. In 1936 a
namesake recreation area surrounding the 25-acre spring-fed lake was opened to
the public, and today its vast trail network in the George
Washington National Forest is a favorite for mountain bikers. Close to 20
miles of singletrack surround the lake, including a 1,000-foot climb from the
lake through Big Levels to the vast expanse of the Bald Mountain Overlook.

Douthat State Park: This 4,500-acre
park is pure mountain splendor. Located in a remote pocket of the Allegheny
Mountains, it features a pristine lake as its centerpiece. Fat tire enthusiasts
come for the 40 miles of singletrack with challenges for all levels. Experts
find favor with many of the long sustained climbs and payoff screaming
descents, but there is plenty of variety for everyone to make this one of the
best mountain biking destinations in Virginia.

The Southern Traverse: This amazing
ride near Harrisonburg in the George Washington National Forest has been given
venerable distinction as an International Mountain Biking Association Epic
Ride. The 32-mile route has everything a mountain biker lives for -- twisty
singletrack, smooth flowing descents, crunchy rock gardens, hearty climbs and
stunning ridge views. The ride requires a strong set of lungs with 3,000 feet
of climbing, but the reward is the best of Virginia wild, including a
spectacular stretch on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail.

James
River Park System Loop: Mountain biking in downtown Richmond? That might
sound strange at first, but the trails in the James River Park System will make
any skeptic a fast believer. The trail connects the Buttermilk, Belle Isle and
North Bank Trails, offering riverside views next to urban cityscapes, twisty
single-track and fun descents. Be sure to check out the new bike skills park at
Belle Isle too.

Road Cycling Hot-Spots

U.S.
Bicycle Route System: Virginia has 838 miles of
the U. S. Bicycle Route system - more than any other state. Virginia sections
of U.S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 1 cross the state from east to west and north to
south.

Heart of Appalachia Route: See
the best of southwestern Virginia by bike on this 125-mile route - the only
state bicycle route in Virginia. Mountain scenery awaits on this ride that
links roads and trails through Tazewell, Bland, Russell and Wise counties.

Skyline Drive: Tour Shenandoah National
Park by bike via the 109-mile Skyline Drive, which runs through the park. Cyclists
get views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the piedmont to the east.
This is a great option for newer cyclists, as the park has lodges, restaurants
campgrounds and supply stores easily accessible for riders.

Blue Ridge Parkway: The
469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is a world-renowned scenic roadway that follows the
Blue Ridge Mountains through Virginia and North Carolina. Mountaintop vistas,
scenic overlooks and a leisurely pace with little vehicular traffic make this a
favorite with cyclists.

Burke's Garden: Often called "God's
Thumbprint," Burke's Garden is a mountain-ringed bowl, 10 miles in diameter,
which boasts distinction as the highest valley in Virginia. Cyclists love to
pedal around the Garden's scenic country roads, stopping to visit many
highlights of the small rural community.

Northern Neck Heritage Trail Bicycling Route: Explore the coastal landscapes of the
Northern Neck on this extensive bicycling route that passes fishing villages
and historic sites. As part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, the
route moves through the relaxed waterfront region from the town of Colonial
Beach to Reedville, where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay.
Love
is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.

This is the official press room for the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
This site is designed to help journalists develop news stories about travel in Virginia.
For general travel information and trip planning resources please visit www.Virginia.org